IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, THE MOST GRACIOUS, THE MOST MERCIFUL
THE THIRD SERMON FOR THE MONTH OF DHUL-QA’DAH, DATED 16/11/1445 AH (24/5/2024 CE)
TOPIC: THE DESCRIPTION OF HAJJ AND UMRAH FROM THE QURAN AND SUNNAH.
THE FIRST SERMON
Praise be to Allah, who has, in His wisdom, favored the Sacred House and made its pilgrimage obligatory for those who are able to undertake the journey from among the people of faith and Islam. He has promised forgiveness for the sins and transgressions of those who perform Hajj and Umrah. I praise Him with abundant and pure praise through the passage of nights and days. I bear witness that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah alone, with no partner, and I bear witness that our Prophet Muhammad is His servant and Messenger, the best of creation and the chosen among mankind. O Allah, bless and grant peace to Your servant and Messenger Muhammad, and to his righteous family and companions.
To proceed:
Servants of Allah, I advise you and myself to fear Allah Almighty in private and public, for it is the ultimate goal of all acts of obedience and commands and prohibitions. Allah, the Exalted, has said: (يَاأَيُّهَا النَّاسُ اعْبُدُوا رَبَّكُمُ الَّذِي خَلَقَكُمْ وَالَّذِينَ مِنْ قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ) “O mankind, worship your Lord, who created you and those before you, that you may become righteous” (Al-Baqarah 2:21).
Brothers in faith: The topic of our sermon last week was the virtue of performing the rituals of Hajj and Umrah seeking the pleasure of Allah. Today, we shall address THE DESCRIPTION OF HAJJ AND UMRAH ACCORDING TO THE QURAN AND SUNNAH.
DESCRIPTION OF HAJJ AND UMRAH
Sheikh Muhammad ibn Salih al-Uthaymeen, may Allah have mercy on him, said: “We will describe the Hajj briefly and concisely, according to the method of tamattu’. If a person intends to perform Hajj and Umrah, he should head to Makkah during the months of Hajj. It is preferable to first assume ihram for Umrah so that he can perform Tamattu’. He should assume ihram from the meeqat, performing ghusl as he would for major ritual impurity, which is a recommended practice for both men and women, even menstruating women and those in post-natal bleeding. He should perfume his head and beard, wear the ihram garments, and enter ihram following a fard prayer if it is time, or after a nafl prayer with the intention of Sunnah of ablution, as there is no specific nafl prayer for ihram. Menstruating women and those in post-natal bleeding would not pray. Then the pilgrim should recite the Talbiyah, saying: (لبّيك اللّهم عمرة، لبّيك اللّهم لبّيك، لبّيك لا شريك لك لبيك، إنّ الحمد والنّعمة لك والملك، لا شريك لك) ‘Labbaik Allahumma Umrah, Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik, Labbaik La Shareeka Laka Labbaik, Inna Al-Hamda Wal-Ni’mata Laka Wal-Mulk, La Shareeka Laka.’ He continues to recite the Talbiyah until he reaches Makkah.
It is recommended that upon nearing Makkah, he performs ghusl for entering it, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) did. He enters the Sacred Mosque with his right foot, saying, (بسم الله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله، اللهم اغفر لي ذنوبي وافتح لي أبواب رحمتك، أعوذ بالله العظيم، وبوجهه الكريم، وبسلطانه القديم من الشيطان الرجيم) ‘In the name of Allah, peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah. O Allah, forgive me my sins and open the doors of Your mercy for me. I seek refuge in Allah the Almighty, in His noble face, and in His eternal authority from the accursed Satan.’
When he begins the Tawaf, he stops the Talbiyah and starts at the Black Stone, touching and kissing it if possible, or pointing to it and saying: (بسم الله والله أكبر، اللهم إيماناً بك، وتصديقاً بكتابك، ووفاءً بعهدك، واتباعاً لسنة نبيك محمد) ‘In the name of Allah, and Allah is the greatest. O Allah, with faith in You, belief in Your Book, fulfilling Your covenant, and following the Sunnah of Your Prophet Muhammad.’ He keeps the Kaaba on his left and performs seven circuits, starting and ending at the Black Stone, touching only the Black Stone and the Yemeni Corner, as the Prophet did. During this Tawaf, it is Sunnah for men to walk briskly in the first three circuits and to uncover their right shoulder (Idtiba’) throughout the Tawaf, placing both ends of the upper garment on the left shoulder. Whenever he passes the Black Stone, he says ‘Allahu Akbar,’ and between the Yemeni Corner and the Black Stone, he recites: (ربنا آتنا في الدنيا حسنةً، وفي الآخرة حسنةً، وقنا عذاب النار) ‘Our Lord, give us in this world good and in the Hereafter good, and protect us from the punishment of the Fire’ (Sahih Ibn Hibban [939]). During the rest of the Tawaf, he can recite any remembrances and supplications he wishes.
And there is no specific supplication for each round of Tawaf. Therefore, one should be cautious of those booklets held by many pilgrims, which contain specific supplications for each round. This is an innovation (bid’ah) that was not reported from the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, who said: “Every innovation is a misguidance…” (Al-Silsilah al-Sahihah – 2735).
The pilgrim must also be aware of an error committed by some people during times of crowding: they enter from the door of the Hijr and exit from the second door, thereby not performing Tawaf around the Hijr with the Kaaba. This is incorrect because the Hijr is part of the Kaaba. Whoever enters through the door of the Hijr and exits from the other door has not actually performed Tawaf around the Kaaba, rendering their Tawaf invalid.
After Tawaf, the pilgrim prays two Rak’ahs behind Maqam Ibrahim if possible, otherwise in any part of the mosque. Then he proceeds to Safa, and upon nearing it, he recites: (إِنَّ الصَّفَا وَالْمَرْوَةَ مِن شَعَآئِرِ اللّهِ فَمَنْ حَجَّ الْبَيْتَ أَوِ اعْتَمَرَ فَلاَ جُنَاحَ عَلَيْهِ أَن يَطَّوَّفَ بِهِمَا وَمَن تَطَوَّعَ خَيْراً فَإِنَّ اللّهَ شَاكِرٌ عَلِيمٌ) “Indeed, Safa and Marwah are among the symbols of Allah. So whoever makes Hajj to the House or performs Umrah, there is no blame upon him for walking between them. And whoever volunteers good – then indeed, Allah is appreciative and Knowing” (Al-Baqarah 2:158). He does not repeat this verse afterward. He then ascends Safa, faces the Qibla, raises his hands, praises Allah, and says: (لا إله إلاّ الله وحده، أنجز وعده، ونصر عبده، وهزم الأحزاب وحده) “There is no deity except Allah alone. He fulfilled His promise, helped His servant, and defeated the confederates alone.” Then he makes supplication, repeats the mention of Allah a second time, makes another supplication, and then repeats the mention of Allah a third time.
He then descends towards Marwah, walking to the first green light marks, then briskly walking between the two green light marks if possible without causing harm to himself or others. After passing the second green light mark, he walks normally to Marwah. Upon reaching Marwah, he ascends it, faces the Qibla, raises his hands, and says the same supplications as he did on Safa. This completes one round. He then returns to Safa from Marwah, which counts as a second round. He continues in this manner until he completes seven rounds, counting each trip from Safa to Marwah as one round and each trip from Marwah to Safa as another round.
Upon completing seven rounds, he trim his hair, ensuring that the trimming encompasses the entire head in a noticeable manner. Women should cut a small portion of hair from all ends, about the length of a fingertip. Then he exits his state of Ihram completely, enjoying what Allah has permitted, such as women, perfume, and regular clothing.
On the eighth day of Dhu al-Hijjah, he assumes Ihram for Hajj, performs ghusl, applies perfume, wears the Ihram garments, and proceeds to Mina. There, he prays Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, Isha, and Fajr, shortening the four-unit prayers to two units, but praying each at its prescribed time without combining them.
When the sun rises on the day of Arafah, he proceeds to Arafah, settling at Namirah if possible, or continuing to Arafah directly. When the sun passes its zenith, he prays Dhuhr and Asr combined and shortened, then occupies himself with the remembrance of Allah, supplication, reading the Quran, and other acts of worship that draw him closer to Allah. He should strive to be particularly earnest in supplication towards the end of the day, as it is highly likely to be answered.
It is recommended to face the Qibla and raise one’s hands while supplicating. The majority of the Prophet’s supplications in that great position were: (لا إله إلا الله وحده لا شريك له، له الملك وله الحمد وهو على كل شيء قدير) “There is no deity but Allah alone, without partner. His is the dominion, and His is the praise, and He is over all things competent.” Additionally, he should focus on the Prophetic supplications, as they are the most comprehensive and beneficial. He may say: (اللّهمّ لك الحمد كالذي نقول، وخيراً مما نقول، اللهم لك صلاتي ونسكي ومحياي ومماتي، وإليك ربي مآبي، ولك ربي تراثي. اللّهمّ إنّي أعوذ بك من عذاب القبر، ووسوسة الصدر، وشتات الأمر. اللهم إني أعوذ بك من شر ما تجيء به الريح) “O Allah, to You belongs all praise, as we say and better than what we say. O Allah, my prayer, my worship, my life, and my death are all for You. To You, my Lord, I return, and to You, my heritage. O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the torment of the grave, from the whispering of the chest, and from the confusion of affairs. O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the evil that comes with the wind” (Zad al-Ma’ad 2/218).
(اللهم اجعل في قلبي نورًا، وفي سمعي نوراً وفي بصري نوراً، اللهم إنك تسمع كلامي، وترى مكاني، وتعلم سري وعلانيتي، لا يخفى عليك شيء من أمري، أنا البائس الفقير، المستغيث المستجير، الوجل المشفق المقر، المعترف بذنوبي، أسألك مسألة المسكين، وأبتهل إليك ابتهال المذنب الذليل، وأدعوك دعاء من خضعت لك رقبته، وفاضت لك عيناه، وذلّ لك جسده، ورغم لك أنفه. اللهم ربنا آتنا في الدنيا حسنة وفي الآخرة حسنة وقنا عذاب النار، اللهم إني ظلمت نفسي فاغفر لي إنك أنت الغفور الرحيم)
“O Allah, place light in my heart, in my hearing, and in my sight. O Allah, You hear my words, see my place, and know my secret and open matters. Nothing about my state is hidden from You. I am the distressed, the poor, the seeker of help, the fearful, the trembling, the one who confesses his sins. I ask You with the request of a needy person, I beseech You with the plea of a guilty, humbled one. I call upon You with the call of one whose neck is bowed before You, whose eyes overflow with tears, whose body is humbled, and whose nose is humbled in the dust. O Allah, our Lord, grant us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and protect us from the torment of the Fire. O Allah, I have wronged myself, so forgive me, for indeed, You are the Forgiving, the Merciful” (Al-Bahr Al-Zakhar 11/226).
When the sun sets on the day of Arafah, he departs to Muzdalifah, where he prays Maghrib and Isha combined and shortened, and then remains there until he prays Fajr. After that, he continues to supplicate to Allah until it becomes very bright, then he heads to Mina. It is permissible for someone who finds it difficult to stay in Muzdalifah due to the crowds to leave before Fajr, as the Prophet allowed this.
Upon arriving in Mina, he first throws seven pebbles at the Jamrat al-Aqaba, saying “Allahu Akbar” with each pebble. Then, he sacrifices his offering, shaves his head, which is better than shortening it, although shortening is permissible. Women cut a small portion from the ends of their hair, about the length of a fingertip. At this point, he performs the first stage of exiting Ihram, making all previously forbidden acts permissible except for relations with women.
After purifying himself and wearing his usual clothes, he goes to Makkah to perform Tawaf al-Ifadah, consisting of seven rounds. This Tawaf and Sa’i are for Hajj, just as the earlier Tawaf and Sa’i were for Umrah. This allows him to exit Ihram completely, making everything permissible again, including relations with women.
Let’s pause to review what the pilgrim does on Eid day. On Eid, the pilgrim throws the Jamrat al-Aqaba, sacrifices his offering, shaves or shortens his hair, performs Tawaf, and performs Sa’i. These five rituals should be performed in this order, but if they are performed out of order, it is still acceptable. The Prophet was asked about advancing or delaying these actions on Eid, and he replied, “Do it, and there is no harm” (Sahih al-Bukhari 6665).
Thus, descending from Muzdalifah to Makkah, performing Tawaf and Sa’i, then returning to Mina to throw the stones is acceptable. Whether one shaves before or after sacrificing, or performs Tawaf and Sa’i before or after throwing the stones, there is no harm. The key point is that performing these five rituals in any order is permissible, as the Prophet said, “Do it, and there is no harm” (Sahih al-Bukhari 6665). This ease and mercy from Allah show His compassion towards His servants.
After that, the remaining actions of Hajj include staying overnight in Mina on the nights of the 11th, 12th, and 13th for those who stay longer, as Allah says: (وَاذْكُرُواْ اللّهَ فِي أَيَّامٍ مَّعْدُودَاتٍ فَمَن تَعَجَّلَ فِي يَوْمَيْنِ فَلاَ إِثْمَ عَلَيْهِ وَمَن تَأَخَّرَ فَلا إِثْمَ عَلَيْهِ لِمَنِ اتَّقَى وَاتَّقُواْ اللّهَ وَاعْلَمُوا أَنَّكُمْ إِلَيْهِ تُحْشَرُونَ) “And remember Allah during the appointed days. But whoever hastens to leave in two days – there is no sin upon him; and whoever delays – there is no sin upon him – for him who fears Allah. And fear Allah and know that unto Him you will be gathered” (Al-Baqarah: 203). The pilgrim should stay overnight in Mina on the nights of the 11th and 12th, and it suffices to stay most of the night on these two nights.
When the sun declines on the 11th day, the pilgrim should throw at the three Jamarat, starting with the smallest one, which is considered the easternmost of the three. He should throw it with seven consecutive pebbles, saying “Allahu Akbar” with each pebble. Then he should move slightly away from the crowd, face the Qibla, raise his hands, and make a long supplication to Allah. Then he proceeds to the middle Jamarah, throwing it with seven consecutive pebbles, saying “Allahu Akbar” with each pebble. After that, he should move slightly away from the crowd, face the Qibla, raise his hands, and make a long supplication to Allah. Finally, he moves to Jamarat Al-Aqaba and throws at it with seven consecutive pebbles, saying “Allahu Akbar” with each pebble, but he does not stand there for supplication, following the example of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
THE SECOND SERMON
Praise be to Allah, the Creator of light, who raised the heavens without visible pillars, and who spread the earth and holds it in place so that it does not shake. He created humans and jinn and blessed them with His favors. He creates whatever He wills, bestowing daughters upon whom He wills and sons upon whom He wills. He pairs some with both sons and daughters and makes others barren as He wills. He is the All-Knowing, the All-Powerful. I bear witness that there is no deity except Allah, alone without partner; in His hand lies the well-being of His servants, and to Him is the return. I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger, the bringer of glad tidings and the luminous lamp. May Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him, his family, and his companions until the Day when wealth and children will not benefit anyone except those who come to Allah with a sound heart.
Fear Allah, O servants of Allah, as He should be feared. Be conscious of Him in private and public. Know that you will meet Him one day and will be questioned about the rights and duties you were entrusted with. Among these rights, and indeed at the top level after the rights of Allah and His Messenger, are the rights of family, especially the rights of children. Allah has blessed parents with children and made them a delight in their lives, as He said: (المال والبنون زينة الحياة الدّنيا) “Wealth and children are adornment of the life of this world…” And by their presence, He has placed the joy of the heart, the comfort of the soul, and the delight of the eye. They are the essence of our being and the fruits of our hearts. In their righteousness lies assistance, benefit, and elevation in rank in the Hereafter. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, “When a person dies, his deeds come to an end except for three: ongoing charity, beneficial knowledge, or a righteous child who prays for him” (Muslim). He (peace be upon him) also said, “Allah will raise the rank of a righteous servant in Paradise, and he will say: ‘O Lord, how did I earn this?’ He will say: ‘By your child’s seeking forgiveness for you’ (Musnad Ahmad).
Dear listeners of faith, contrary to the benefits of raising children both in this world and in religion, we find ourselves today with a large number of people who have neglected their duties of upbringing, care, and guidance for their children. They only acknowledge their rights of procreation and lineage but fail to fulfill their responsibilities towards them except in a superficial manner. They seem awake, but they are asleep. In accordance with the traditions of celebrating annual occasions like the International Children’s Day on the 27th of May each year as declared by the United Nations. Yet, in their hands and under their control, children, even fetuses, are subjected to attacks without exception, as is happening today to Palestinian children, which melts the hearts and brings tears to the eyes. Despite the responsibilities mandated by Islamic law, which must be fulfilled by every compassionate person hoping for mercy from the One in the heavens, we ask Allah Almighty for safety and well-being.
Among the things that corrupt the upbringing of children at the hands of parents are certain contents of the modern visual media, especially films that corrupt beliefs and morals, cast doubt on faith in the Lord of the Worlds among the masses, and attract people towards reliance on shirk, using them as a means to earn livelihoods, gain benefits, and ward off harms, even leading to the killing of people in pursuit of these superstitions. This calamity has affected the entire nation, resulting in various types of corruption in the society, especially among the youth. Therefore, we are pleased with the news of banning films that promote and glorify money rituals involving human sacrifice. This ban includes money rituals, ritual killings, tobacco, tobacco products, and the promotion of nicotine products in films, musical videos, and skits. We call upon the government to fully implement this decision, as these are things Allah has forbidden. We also urge the concerned professionals to enforce it. May Allah reward the government for approving this decision.
A special prayer for our nation, Nigeria
دعاء خاص لوطننا نيجيريا
عباد الله الكرام، مع اقتراب الإدارة الحالية من إكمال عامها الأول في 29 مايو 2024، نتوسل إلى الله تعالى أن يمنحها نجاحاً باهراً في جميع مجالات الحكم؛ اقتصادياً، سياسياً، اجتماعياً، تعليمياً، وغيرها، اللهم آمنا في وطننا-نيجيريا- وأصلح أئمتنا وولاة أمورنا، وأيد بالحق رئيسنا ووزراءنا وجميع فروع حكومتنا، واجعل عملهم في رضاك، وارزقهم البطانة الصالحة التي تدلهم على الحق وتعينهم عليه، ووفقهم إلى ما تحبه وترضاه وإلى ما فيه صلاح البلاد والعباد، اللهم من أراد بلادنا وبلاد المسلمين بسوء فأشغله بنفسه ورد كيده في نحره واجعل تدبيره تدميرا عليه ياسميع الدعاء، اللهم احفظ بلادنا وبلاد المسلمين من شر الأشرار وكيد الفجار وشر طوارق الليل والنهار.
اللهمَّ انصر جنودنا المرابطين على ثغورنا وحدودنا، ووفّق رجال أمننا، اللهم تقبلْ شهداءهم، واشفِ مرضاهم، وعافِ جرحاهم، وسددْ رميهم ورأيهم، وانصرْهم على عدوِّك وعدوِّنا، اللهم كن لإخواننا المستضعفين في غزّة، اللهم احفظهم من بين أيديهم ومن خلفهم وعن أيمانهم وعن شمائلهم ومن فوقهم ونعيذهم بعظمتك اللهم أن يغتالوا من تحتهم، اللهم أنزل السكينة عليهم، وانصرهم على من بغى عليهم ياقوي ياعزيز، ياخير الناصرين، يامجيب دعوة المضطرين، اللهم إنهم مظلومون فانصرهم، إلهنا إلى من تكلهم، إليك نشكوا ضعف قوّتهم وقلّة حيلتهم، فكن لهم معينًا ونصيرًا ومؤيدًا وظهيرا. اللَّهُمَّ مُنْزِلَ الكِتَابِ، ومُجْرِيَ السَّحابِ، وَهازِم الأحْزَابِ، اهزمِ الصهاينة الطغاة المعتدين، وَانْصُرْنَا عَلَيْهِمْ، اللَّهُمَّ مُنْزِلَ الكتابِ، سَرِيعَ الحِسابِ، اهْزِمِ الأحْزَابَ. اللهمَّ أعزَّ الإسلام والمسلمين، وأذلَّ الشرك والمشركين، واجعل هذا البلد آمنًا مطمئنًّا سخاء رخاء وسائر بلاد المسلمين.
Honorable servants of Allah, as the current administration approaches the completion of its first year on May 29, 2024, we beseech Allah, the Almighty, to grant it resounding success in all areas of governance; economically, politically, socially, educationally, and more.
O Allah, secure us in our homeland-Nigeria, rectify our leaders and those in authority, support our president and ministers and all the arms of government with truth, and make their work pleasing to You. Grant them righteous advisors who will guide them to truth and assist them in it. Guide them to what You love and what pleases You, and to what is beneficial for the country and its people.
O Allah, whoever wishes harm upon our country and the lands of the Muslims, occupy him with himself, turn his plot against him, and make his planning lead to his own destruction. O Hearer of prayers, protect our country and the lands of the Muslims from the evil of the wicked, the plotting of the corrupt, and the dangers of the night and day.
O Allah, grant victory to our soldiers stationed at our borders, guide our security forces, accept their martyrs, heal their wounded, and grant well-being to those injured. Steady their aim and judgement, and grant them victory over Your enemy and ours.
O Allah, be with our oppressed brothers in Gaza. Protect them from in front, behind, from their right, from their left, and from above, and we seek refuge in Your greatness from being swallowed from beneath them. O Allah, bring tranquility upon them, and grant them victory over those who oppress them, O Strong, O Mighty, O Best of Helpers, O Answerer of the supplication of the distressed. O Allah, they are oppressed, so grant them victory. Our Lord, to whom will You entrust them? We complain to You of their weakness and the scarcity of their resources, so be their Helper, Supporter, and Ally.
O Allah, Revealer of the Book, Mover of the clouds, Defeater of the Confederates, defeat the tyrannical and oppressive Zionists, and grant us victory over them. O Allah, Revealer of the Book, Swift in accountability, defeat the Confederates. O Allah, honor Islam and the Muslims, humiliate shirk and the polytheists, and make this country safe, secure, and prosperous, as well as all Muslim lands.